Readers of The Courier took to Facebook and www.thecourier.com.au after stories in Monday’s publication revealed the extent of rubbish dumping in the Canadian forest.

More than 50 concerned readers completed a survey on www.thecourier.com.au called “Where have you seen rubbish dumped around Ballarat?”.

Responses repeatedly pointed towards Mt Warrenheip, Scarsdale, Yarrowee Creek, Creswick State Forest, Frenchmans Lane and the Ballarat Aerodrome as being frequent dumping sites.

Sandy Campbell posted on Facebook that animals had been included in illegal rubbish dumping.

“Yes, a white 4WD with a trailer was spotted in the forest area off Bald Hills Road Creswick a week ago dumping a dead horse!,” she posted.

Facebook user Jarrod Belshaw said the Ballarat train line was rife with rubbish.

“Just travel between Ballarat and Melbourne via car or train and the whole trip is a dump,” Mr Belshaw posted on the The Courier Facebook page.

Several people responding to the survey also said the Wendouree Salvation Army thrift shop was being targeted by rubbish dumpers.

City of Ballarat city infrastructure acting general manager Chris Hutton said a maintenance program was in place that reacted to rubbish dumping incidents.

“Council has a regular planned maintenance program for open space areas and conducts enforcement activities as offences become known,” Mr Hutton said.

“We continue to encourage residents who become aware of illegal dumping to report the problem to council so that officers can investigate where possible.”

The Courier put questions to the council regarding the use of drones for surveillance or erection of more warning signs in targeted areas.

Mr Hutton did not respond to these questions.

david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au